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Euphrasian Basilica

If you’re a coinesseur of historic monuments and beautiful churches, you’ll enjoy the Unesco World Heritage site of the Basilica of Euphrasius that we visited this summer while staying near Poreč in the province of Istria in Croatia.

You’ll find the Basilica set in the pedestrianised narrow streets of the old town, which is not so large that you’ll have any difficulty finding it. The old town of Poreč is surrounded on three sides by water and is a great place to wander around for a few hours, soaking up the atmosphers, taking a seat in any small squares or bars you come across and stocking up on gelato and souvenirs.

The main claim to fame of the Basilica of Euphrasius in Poreč is the beautifully decorated dome at the back of the church, covered with golden mosaics of Christ surrounded by his apostles and saints as well as Bishop Euphrasius who built the church in the 6th century (well if you went to all that trouble, you’d want to make sure you were remembered, wouldn’t you?) As well as the mosaics, I loved the beautifully carved stone arches, running down each side of the church, each with a slightly different motif. There are classical concerts held at the Basilica on summer evenings and while we were visiting in the afternoon, we were lucky enough to hear a concert pianist rehearsing for the evening performance.

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'The group of religious monuments in Porec, where Christianity was established as early as the 4th century, constitutes the most complete surviving complex of its type. The basilica, atrium, baptistery and episcopal palace are outstanding examples of re… Read more...

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Beautiful mosaics

Christianity became an established religion in Croatia as far back as the 4th Century, as this incredibly well preserved Episcopal complex at Porec shows with unparalleled clarity. Completed in the time of Bishop Euphrasius, the basilica and its attendant palace, bell tower, sacristy, atrium and baptistery comprise an eye-opening representation of early Christian life and contain some of the most impressive examples of Byzantine art in the world. The mosaics which line the apse are outstandingly beautiful, depicting Christ, the Apostles, numerous local saints and Bishop Euphrasius against a background of glittering gold.